In the end, Cabot ’s Seriously Sharp Aged Cheddar was awarded “Best in Class” for cheddar aged two years or longer. And the co-op’s 75% Reduced Fat Cheddar was “Best in Class” in the low-fat cheese category. The cooperative also won second place in the aged 2+ years category and in the cottage cheese category.

The crew at the Old Chatham Sheepherding Companyin Old Chatham, took the second award in the Surface Ripened Sheep’s Milk Cheeses for their Kinderhook Creek cheese, and in the Surface Ripened Mixed Milk Cheeses for Nancy’s Camembert. They also took the third award in the latter category for their Hudson Valley camembert.

It was Vermont Butter & Cheese that stopped Old Chatham from taking home the Best in Class in the Surface Ripened Mixed Milk category. Vermont won for their Double-Cream Cremont. Vermont also won second awards in the Surface Ripened Goat Cheese category and third awards in the Soft Goat’s Milk and Flavored Soft Goat’s Milk categories for their chevres.

Melt butter in deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add sugar, vanilla and cinnamon; stir to combine. When mixture starts to bubble, add bananas and pecans and cook until hot. Remove skillet from heat and add rum. Return skillet to heat and cook about 1 minute longer, spooning sauce over bananas. Place a scoop of ice cream on each of 6 dishes. Divide bananas and sauce over the dishes of ice cream. Serve immediately.